Despite previous claims of desiring the Nobel Peace Prize, President Donald Trump asserted he was indifferent towards the award during a late-night discussion with the press. This contradicts a letter he dispatched to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, where he mentioned the prize as a rationale for his assertive stance on Greenland. The letter’s authenticity was confirmed by the Norwegian government following its release on Monday, Jan. 19, under Norway’s freedom of information laws.

In a conversation with reporters, when questioned about the letter, Trump denied any interest in the Nobel Prize. His written communication with Støre painted a different picture, implying that his focus had shifted from peace after not receiving the award from Norway.

Trump’s letter to the Norwegian Premier read, “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America,” as per the complete exchange made public by Norway’s government.

The letter concluded with a bold assertion that “the World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.” Trump also challenged Denmark’s sovereignty over the Arctic territory, alleging the absence of any written documents to validate their claim. He argued that Denmark is incapable of defending Greenland from potential threats from Russia or China.

Støre, along with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, initiated the text conversation with Trump to discuss Greenland and tariff proclamations, advocating for de-escalation on issues requiring collective support from allies.

Norway’s Prime Minister clarified that the Norwegian Nobel Committee, an independent body of five members appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, is responsible for awarding the prize, not the Norwegian government. He further stated on Monday that Norway fully backs Denmark’s stance on Greenland.

Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, defended Trump’s approach during a session in Davos, Switzerland. However, he was unaware of Trump’s letter to Norway.

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, who presented her medal to Trump at the White House on Jan. 15. She expressed her belief that Trump was more deserving of the award. This prompted the Nobel Committee to clarify that the prize cannot be rescinded or handed over to others, even symbolically.

During the late-night conversation with reporters, Trump made claims about Norway controlling the Nobel Prize, which conflicts with the committee’s independent status. He also stated that he had saved millions of lives and prevented eight wars, listing conflicts between various nations, including Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan.

In response to Trump’s threats against Greenland, eight European countries, including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Britain issued a joint statement. The countries emphasized that tariff threats “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.” They pledged to enhance Arctic security as a mutual transatlantic interest.

On Saturday, Trump declared a 10% import tax from Feb. 1 on goods from these eight nations that supported Denmark and Greenland, which he later rescinded. The duties would escalate to 25% if an agreement was not reached by June 1. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated on Monday that nothing could be excluded until Trump provides clarity.

Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, attempted to soften the tensions, stating that the Arctic region “will require greater attention, greater investment and stronger collective defense,” and expressed his belief that military action was unlikely.

Kaja Kallas, the foreign policy chief of the European Union, stated that the bloc had no desire to instigate a conflict but would stand its ground. The situation is being closely monitored by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other alliance officials.

Large-scale protests have taken place in Greenland against Trump’s threats. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated that they will not succumb to pressure. Greenland, a self-governing territory, remains a part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

European troops have been stationed in Greenland as allies evaluate the region’s security needs. Among the officials assessing options for a permanent military presence is Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.

Trump asserted that he has contributed more to NATO than any other individual since its inception and suggested that NATO should reciprocate for the United States. The text conversation with Støre took place after the president had attended a college football championship game in Miami, Florida.

The conversation between Trump and Støre took place on Sunday, with the latter sending his message on behalf of himself and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The full text was made public on Monday after being released under Norway’s freedom of information laws.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt authenticated Trump’s message, stating that the president firmly believes that Greenland would be better protected from modern Arctic threats under U.S. protection.

The controversy has drawn attention to Trump’s claims of preventing wars and his deserving international recognition for his foreign policy achievements. Trump has been openly desirous of the Nobel Peace Prize throughout his political career.

President Trump reversed his threat to impose 10% tariffs on eight European nations—including Denmark, France, Germany, the UK, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands—after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, January 21. Following his meeting with Rutte, Trump announced on Truth Social that the two had agreed on “the framework of a future deal” regarding Greenland and the broader Arctic region, adding that he would not impose the scheduled tariffs. Trump also ruled out using military force to take control of the Danish territory, a position he had previously left ambiguous. However, diplomatic sources indicated there is no agreement for U.S. control or ownership of Greenland, and Denmark reiterated that its sovereignty over the territory remains a “red line.”